Special measures help divert thousands of birds from power lines

Hundreds of special diverters have saved migrating swans and geese from colliding with overhead power lines in Lancashire following the first study of its kind in the country.

The region’s power network operator, Electricity North West in partnership with WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, has seen a 50 percent reduction in power cuts caused by bird collisions after 150 bird diverters were attached to overhead power lines last winter in the area surrounding the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) site in Burscough.

As a result, engineers are installing a further 200 diverters along 2km of overhead power lines to help raise the visibility for the 30,000 whooper swans and pink-footed geese that migrate to the area every year from Iceland.

Over the past year Electricity North West has sponsored a student from Lancaster University to analyse the efficiency of bird diverters. The results from the unique study, the first of its kind in the UK, will be used throughout the North West and shared with other power operators across the country.

Steve Cox, head of engineering for Electricity North West, said: “We’re delighted that these special bird diverters have had a positive impact and helped to protect birds and also reduce power cuts for residents in the area.

“Working closely with WWT Martin Mere we’re set to install even more diverters over the next year and we will work to incorporate key findings from the study in our best practice policies across the North West to help protect more of these wonderful birds.”

Key findings from the study found that whooper swans rather than pink-footed geese were more likely to collide with power lines due to their flight path and there is an increased risk of collision if electricity lines are in an open landscape or close to surface water.

“Through this innovative partnership with Electricity North West we have secured both the safety of these swans and geese as well as ensuring the local community are not affected by power cuts.
“The pioneering study into bird diverters helps to reinforce the importance and effectiveness of the diverters and we’re delighted that the power network operator is installing further diverters in the area.”

Chris Taylor, research student from Lancaster University, said: “Bird diverters, which are special attachments to power lines, work by ensuring the cables stand out to large birds which have poor manoeuvrability.

“After a year of examining the flight paths and behavioural characteristics of these birds across the North West I’m thrilled that the key findings I’ve uncovered will be taken on board and considered across the country.”

ENDS

Editors Notes:

Electricity North West owns, operates and maintains the North West’s electricity distribution network, connecting 2.4 million properties, and more than 5 million people in the region to the National Grid.

Interviews with Electricity North West spokespeople are also available on request from the Press Office.